It’s often easy to forget how good you have something until it’s gone. In the case of Indiana women’s basketball, two-time All-American forward Mackenzie Holmes was a luxury, but Wednesday night marked the first time without her on the roster in five seasons.
However, powerhouse programs constantly retool and reload. Under Teri Moren’s guidance, the IU program has become an annual contender and the traits of a great program have followed. While Indiana doesn’t boast another star to step right into Holmes’ role, it will instead match the production by committee.
Facing Division II Maryville in the team’s sole exhibition game, junior forward Lilly Meister blossomed with 19 points, and newcomer senior forward Karoline Striplin showed glimpses of dominance in a 95-27 drubbing.